MLA
MLA stands for Modern Language Association, and it is a widely used citation style in academic writing, particularly in the fields of humanities and liberal arts. MLA provides guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers to ensure consistency, clarity, and credibility. Here are some key features of MLA in a research paper :
1. Formatting:
– Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
– Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
– Double-space the entire paper.
– Include a header with your last name and page number in the top right corner of each page.
– Create a title page if required by your instructor (not usually necessary for class assignments).
2. In-text Citations:
– Use parenthetical citations within the text to acknowledge the sources you have referenced.
– Include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the information is taken.
– Example: (Smith 45) or (Johnson and Brown 23-25).
3. Works Cited Page:
– Include a separate page titled “Works Cited” at the end of your research paper.
– List all the sources you have cited in your paper in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
– Provide complete bibliographic information for each source, including the author’s name, title of the work, publication information, and medium of publication (print, web, etc.).
– Apply hanging indentation for each entry, where the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented.
– Example:
Smith, John. The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health. New York: XYZ Publishers, 2022. Print.
4. Citation for Different Types of Sources:
– MLA provides specific guidelines for citing different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, videos, etc. Make sure to follow the correct format for each source.
It is important to note that the specific requirements of MLA style may vary depending on the instructor or institution. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult the official MLA Handbook or use online resources (such as Purdue Online Writing Lab) for detailed and up-to-date guidelines on MLA formatting and citation.
APA
APA stands for the American Psychological Association, and it is a widely used citation style in social sciences, education, and other fields. APA provides guidelines for formatting and citing sources in research papers to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy. Here are some key features of APA in a research paper :
1. Formatting:
– Use 12-point Times New Roman font.
– Set 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
– Double-space the entire paper, including the title page, abstract, main text, references, and any footnotes.
– Include a running head at the top of each page (except the title page) that includes a shortened version of your paper’s title (limited to 50 characters) in uppercase letters.
– Create a title page that includes the title of your paper, your name, your institution’s name, and the running head.
– Begin the main text on a new page after the title page.
2. In-text Citations:
– Use parenthetical citations within the text to acknowledge the sources you have referenced.
– Include the author’s last name and the publication year for direct quotes and paraphrased information.
– Include the page number(s) for direct quotes (optional for paraphrased information).
– Example: (Smith, 2022, p. 45) or (Johnson & Brown, 2019).
3. References:
– Include a separate page titled “References” at the end of your research paper.
– List all the sources you have cited in your paper in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
– Provide complete bibliographic information for each source, including the author’s name, publication date, title of the work, publication information, and DOI or URL (if applicable).
– Apply hanging indentation for each entry, where the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented.
– Example:
Smith, J. (2022). The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health. XYZ Publishers.
4. Citation for Different Types of Sources:
– APA provides specific guidelines for citing different types of sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, videos, etc. Make sure to follow the correct format for each source.
It is important to note that the specific requirements of APA style may vary depending on the instructor or institution. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult the official APA Publication Manual or use online resources (such as the APA Style website) for detailed and up-to-date guidelines on APA formatting and citation.
Also Read :
How to Plan and Write a Research Paper | With Example in PDF
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